Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park! The park's summer season officially begins on Memorial Day Weekend each year. Summer is typically the busiest season at the park, as families spend their vacations searching for diamonds in Arkansas. Visiting the Crater of Diamonds in summer can be a lot of fun, if you prepare ahead and know what to expect.

Heat-related illness can be a major concern for anyone spending time outdoors in summer. The diamond search area is a large, open field with limited shade. While trees, wash pavilions, and sun shelters offer some relief, we recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen while searching for diamonds on sunny days. Portable fans and misters can help you keep cool, as well. Families staying several hours may also set up tents or canopies in the diamond search area.  All temporary structures must be properly secured to the ground and removed before the diamond search area closes each day.

Hydration is another important consideration for keeping cool in summer. The park provides water fountains and bottle-filling stations at park facilities. We also encourage visitors to bring bottled water and ice chests to cool off. Drinking water regularly before, during, and after diamond searching can help prevent dehydration.

On hot summer days, it can be easy to become hyper-focused on finding a diamond and ignore signs and symptoms of heat-related illness until it is too late. Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks. If you’re doing a lot of walking, sit in the shade to cool off five to ten minutes every half hour. If you’re sitting on the ground or in the sun for a long time, get up and move around at least once an hour to improve circulation and cool down.

Guests who have experienced heat exhaustion or heat stroke before are more prone to repeated heat-related illness. Pay special attention to older and younger guests in your party and make sure they are staying cool and hydrated. Check side effects of your medication for any cautions against heat or sun exposure. It’s always better to postpone your visit until cooler weather than risk a health hazard for the chance of finding a diamond!

Other great places to cool off during summer are at Diamond Springs Water Park and our tree-shaded campground. Diamond Springs provides a great place for visitors to cool after a hot summer day of diamond searching. Our campground is nestled in a pine and hardwood forest near the Little Missouri River, providing shade and shelter throughout the day. For more information about Diamond Springs, our campground, or other park amenities, visit www.CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com or call 870-285-3113.

Summer is always a busy and exciting season at the Crater of Diamonds. We hope these tips will help you plan a safe and fun diamond-searching adventure soon at Crater of Diamonds State Park!